Rangers sign potential two-way player Matt Davidson

The Texas Rangers have signed Matt Davidson — a first and third baseman who could, possibly, see time as a relief pitcher as well — to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Davidson pitched three innings in three appearances in 2018, and he was pretty good too, blanking the opposition, facing 11 batters, allowing one hit and striking out two. It was promising enough that the White Sox gave him permission to do some pitching workouts during the offseason. At last until they non-tendered him, then it was up to him. Jeff Passan is reporting that the Rangers may give him a look on the mound.

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They wouldn’t be interested in him, however, if he didn’t at least have some offensive skills. And he does. Power, primarily, as he hit 46 home over the past two years. His 2018 line was a less-than-stellar .228/.319/.419 with 20 homers and 62 RBI, but that’s not chopped liver either, I suppose.

The Rangers don’t figure to contend in 2019, so it’s not a terrible place for Davidson to try to get some playing time. And, possibly, some time to experiment on his nascent pitching career.